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Wie man HBO Max sicher mit einem VPN online schaut 2024

Anshul Jain Aktualisiert am 02.03.2024 Geprüft von Christine Johansen Cybersecurity-Experte

Note:  In May 2023, the name of the streaming platform will change from HBO Max to simply Max. If you already have an HBO Max subscription, you can continue to use it without complete a new one. It will be updated automatically.

It is only available in some locations. HBO Max hasn't made it to the East, like some European countries, Asia or Australia. To find out whether you can watch its content or not, HBO Max reads your IP address to find out your geographical location. If you are not at one of the licensed locations, you cannot watch the shows.

Technically speaking, a VPN can give you an IP address from a licensed location (such as the USA). This means you can theoretically watch HBO Max content from anywhere. However, you should be aware that this violates the platform's terms of use. It may even be a copyright violation.

However, if (HBO) Max is available in your location and you just want to protect your connection while streaming, my top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It provides fast servers so you can easily find a nearby connection for HD streaming. Thanks to the advanced security features, your data remains private. You can also try it risk-free because there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream in HD with ExpressVPN >>

Quick Guide:How to watch HBO Max with a VPN in three easy steps"> How to watch HBO Max with a VPN in three easy steps

  1. Download a VPN.   My top choice for Max is ExpressVPN . It offers high speeds and stable connections in multiple locations where the platform is available.
  2. Connect to a server in your country.  (HBO) Max is only available in a few locations. If you are from the USA, connect to a server in the USA. Choose the closest one to get the fastest speeds.
  3. Start streaming.  Now you can enjoy online streaming with the added privacy of VPN encryption.

Important!  The team and I at vpnMentor do not support any copyright infringement. The VPN services listed below have strict no-logs policies that ensure they do not monitor or record your online activities. So it's up to you to adhere to the streaming platforms' terms and conditions when using a VPN service.

Best VPNs to Watch HBO Max Online 2024

1. ExpressVPN – best VPN overall and very fast speeds to watch HBO Max in UHD

  • Very high speeds and unlimited data volume allow you to watch programs in Ultra HD without buffering.
  • 3.000 Servers in 105 countries
  • 8 simultaneous device connections
  • Works with: HBO Max, Netflix US and many more libraries, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Zattoo DE, ProSieben, ZDF, Sport1, ORF and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, browsers, routers, smart TVs, game consoles and more apps and browser extensions in German
  • Help articles, customer service via email and chat in German

ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs, so it's perfect for streaming HBO Max in Ultra HD.   I tested five servers in the US and my download speeds averaged 48.5 Mbps (only 7% slower than my base speed). You only need 25 Mbps to enjoy smooth streaming in Ultra HD, so I was able to access Euphoria  for hours in crystal clear quality without any slowdown.

There are apps for the most popular devices - including streaming devices like the Fire Stick. In addition, ExpressVPN offers Smart DNS (MediaStreamer) so you can watch HBO Max on devices that don't support VPNs.  This also applies to smart TVs and game consoles. The process is pretty simple and it took me less than five minutes to set up on my Samsung smart TV. All you have to do is paste the provided DNS code into your TV's network settings and you can watch HBO Max on your big screen.

The only slight downside to ExpressVPN is its higher prices. For the long-term package, you start at €6,29/Monat. There are also short-term options, but they will cost you more overall. When I signed up for the long-term plan, I was happy that I got 49% discount on my subscription. That's why it's a pretty good deal.

ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can it you can test it risk-free. If it's not right for you, you have 30 days to request a refund. I tested this policy after using the VPN for three weeks. The 24/7 live chat was easy to use. My request was approved quickly and it only took four days to get my money back.

ExpressVPN-Angebot März 2024: Für eine begrenzte Zeit bekommst Du ein ExpressVPN-Abonnement mit bis zu 49% Rabatt! Verpasse es nicht!

2. CyberGhost – streaming optimized servers to reliably stream HBO Max

  • 11.690 Servers in 100 countries, with six servers optimized for HBO Max
  • High speeds and unlimited data allow you to stream uninterrupted
  • 7 simultaneous device connections
  • Works with: HBO Max USA, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, DAZN DE, ARD, TV Now DE, SRF TV, Servus TV and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, browsers, smart TVs, game consoles and more
  • Most popular desktop and mobile apps support German knowledge base, ticket customer service and live chat in German

CyberGhost offers HBO Max-optimized servers that are regularly tested to ensure they work reliably with the platform. My international team tested the five global servers for HBO Max (including Spain, Finland, and Sweden) and confirmed that there are stable connections for the respective libraries. My colleague in the US had the same experience while using the US-based HBO Max optimized servers at his US location.

Thanks to its user-friendly interface, the VPN is also an excellent choice for beginners. It only took me two minutes to download and install it on my Fire TV. It only takes a few seconds until you find a server and can connect to it. I liked that no manual configuration is required, as by default CyberGhost automatically selects the fastest protocol and best settings for streaming.

CyberGhost's long-term plans are pretty affordable - you can get for just €2,19/Monat. It offers the same features as the shorter packages and you also get your own IP address for a few euros more per month. This is an IP that only you can use, so HBO Max doesn't notice that you're using a VPN.

The package also offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. It is longer than most VPNs. I tested it and had no problems canceling my subscription within that time frame. All I had to do was answer a few simple questions and I got my money back within five days.

3. Private Internet Access - huge network makes it easy to find a nearby HBO Max server

  • 29.650 Servers in 91 countries
  • Unlimited data and impressive speeds that deliver crystal-clear, buffer-free streams
  • Unbegrenzt simultaneous device connections
  • Works with: HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, browsers, smart TVs, game consoles and more
  • Browser extensions and apps are available in German

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers one of the largest networks of 29.650 servers worldwide, including most countries that have an HBO Max license. It also offers connections in every state in the US – my colleague in the US tested 10+ servers in the US and all of them worked with his Max account.

Servers optimized for streaming are also available. But unlike CyberGhost, they are region specific and not targeted at specific platforms. Still, they are very reliable for streaming HBO Max and Max as well as many other platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more. However, make sure that you are within the licensed regions so that you do not violate the platforms' terms and conditions.

My only criticism is that the app offers too many customization options. This can be a bit overwhelming for new users. However, the app is preconfigured with the best settings for streaming, so you don't have to change anything to watch HBO Max.

There are several packages you can choose from and they all offer the same features. The long-term packages offer the best value and cost only €1,99/Monat.  I also received a year of free encrypted cloud storage when I signed up.

Since PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can HBO Try Max before making a decision.  To test this, I contacted customer service via live chat to cancel my subscription. The sales rep didn't pressure me to stay. He simply asked for a reason for the termination. After five days I had my money back in my account.

How to watch HBO Max (and Max) with a VPN

Important!  These guides are about watching HBO Max or Max safely with a VPN in a country with a license. Using a VPN to watch content from another HBO Max country's library is against the terms of service and could even be a copyright violation. The team and I do not tolerate this and we advise you to use the VPN responsibly.

On computers and smartphones

You can protect your connection and watch HBO Max safely on your Windows, macOS, Android and iOS devices by simply installing a VPN on your preferred device.

  1. Sign up for a reputable VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN  for its fast speeds and smooth connections for watching HBO Max.

    Screenshot of the ExpressVPN official website.You can try most VPNs risk-free, including ExpressVPN because they have a money-back guarantee

  2. Download the VPN app to your device.  To download the VPN on your computer, visit the official website and download the app from there. If you want to stream HBO Max on your Android or iOS device, simply download the app from the respective app store. Then enter your login details.

    Screenshot of ExpressVPN's app download page.Most VPNs these days offer cross-platform support and can be used on many devices

  3. Connect to a server in your HBO Max licensed country.  Open the VPN app. Then select a server in the country where HBO Max is available and connect. HBO Max is available in several regions worldwide, including the US, the Caribbean and some European countries. If you connect to the closest server (at your licensed location), you will get the best streaming speeds. However, the renamed Max service is currently only available in the US. So you can only use it if you live in the USA. My colleague in the US had great speeds with every US server he tested.

    Screenshot of ExpressVPN's interface showing how to connect to the fastest server in a given country.The closer a server is, the better the speeds you will get for streaming

  4. Sign in to your HBO Max account.  Visit the HBO Max website (on desktop) or use the app (on mobile), enter your credentials and sign in.

    Screenshot of the HBO Max sign in page.You can only sign up for HBO Max US with a payment method and billing address from the USA

  5. Start streaming.  Sit back and enjoy your favorite shows on HBO Max while your connection is protected.

Streaming devices, smart TVs and gaming consoles

HBO Max is also available on various streaming devices, smart TVs and gaming consoles. These include Amazon Fire TV Stick, Samsung TVs, LG TVs, Apple TV, Roku Players, PlayStations and more.

However , not all of these devices support native VPN apps. So in order to watch HBO Max on them, you need to connect to a VPN router.  This way, all your devices on the same network will be connected to the VPN.

  1. Get a VPN that supports routers. I recommend ExpressVPN because it is one of the few VPNs that offers a router app. This means you can easily install it and use it on your router.
  2. Download the router firmware.  Open your account dashboard, select your router and click "Download Firmware."
  3. Connect your router to the internet.  After you connect it, you can install the ExpressVPN firmware.
  4. Choose a server from the router app.
  5. Install the HBO Max app.  Search for the HBO Max app on your device and select your favorite show.

You can also use a Smart DNS feature like ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer.  As long as your device allows you to configure network settings, Smart DNS allows you to easily adjust your DNS settings. This means you can stream HBO Max USA without complicated router settings. Not all VPNs offer such a feature. This is another reason why I chose ExpressVPN as the best provider.

If your VPN has a native app for the Fire Stick or some smart TVs, the installation process is similar to smartphones and desktops.

FAQ for watching HBO Max with a VPN

Can I get HBO Max via Hulu or Amazon Prime Video?

Yes you can. It's available through a Hulu subscription, and you can access select HBO content through Prime Video for an additional fee. Since Amazon Prime Video is available in many locations, you can simply log in with your regular account and see what's available. However, you don't have access to all HBO Max Originals.

On which devices can I watch HBO Max with a VPN?

You can watch HBO Max with a VPN on any device the platform is available on, including:

  • Smartphones and tablets:  Android and iOS devices, Fire tablets and more
  • Desktops/Laptops:  Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook
  • Smart TVs:  LG TV, Samsung TV, Android TV
  • Streaming devices:  Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV
  • Game consoles:  PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One

Not all of these devices support native VPN apps. These include smart TVs, streaming devices and gaming consoles. However, you can still use the VPN on any device if you install it on your router. Or you can use the Smart DNS function of your VPN if it offers such a function, such as MediaStreamer from ExpressVPN.

Can I use a free VPN while streaming HBO Max?

You can, but I advise against it.  It's just not worth the effort when you can get a cheap premium VPN with a money-back guarantee.

Several free VPNs I tested gave me slow speeds. This makes the streaming experience quite frustrating and almost impossible.  This may be due to their small server networks, which are often overloaded. There are also data limits, sometimes just 500 MB per month. This means that you can hardly watch a single episode of your favorite series on HBO Max.

The most concerning thing is that most free VPNs make money by selling your data to third parties.  This leads to annoying advertisements and pop-ups that sometimes contain malware.

Watch HBO Max

To protect your online privacy without affecting your HBO Max streaming, you need a fast VPN.  It should also have plenty of servers nearby so you can stream HBO Max at your licensed location with a stable and reliable connection.

If you are in a licensed (HBO) Max country and just want to have a secure connection while streaming,   I recommend ExpressVPN . It offers many reliable servers around the world and has the fastest speeds of any VPN I tested. This allows you to stream in the best quality. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it risk-free.

In summary, the best VPNs for watching HBO Max...

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vpnMentor wurde 2014 als unabhängige Seite gegründet. Sie testet VPN-Dienste testet und berichtet über Datenschutzthemen. Heute hilft unser Team aus Hunderten von Cybersicherheits-Experten, Autoren und Redakteuren den Lesern weiterhin dabei, für ihre Online-Freiheit zu kämpfen. Dies geschieht in Partnerschaft mit Kape Technologies PLC. Das Unternehmen besitzt auch folgende Produkte: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost sowie Private Internet Access, die auf dieser Website bewertet werden können. Wir gehen davon aus, dass die auf vpnMentor veröffentlichten Bewertungen zum Zeitpunkt des jeweiligen Artikels zutreffend sind und nach unseren strengen Bewertungsstandards verfasst wurden. Dabei steht der unabhängige, professionelle und ehrliche Tests des Rezensenten im Vordergrund, wobei die technischen Fähigkeiten und Qualitäten des Produkts zusammen mit seinem kommerziellen Mehrwert für die Nutzer berücksichtigt werden. Die von uns veröffentlichten Ranglisten und Bewertungen können auch die oben erwähnten gemeinsamen Eigentumsrechte und die Partner-Provisionen berücksichtigen, die wir für Käufe über Links auf unserer Website erhalten. Wir überprüfen nicht alle VPN-Anbieter und nehmen an, dass die Informationen zum Zeitpunkt des Verfassens des jeweiligen Artikels korrekt sind.

Über den Autor

Anshul ist vpnMentor-Autor und ein Cybersicherheitsenthusiast, der sich darauf konzentriert, Lesern*Leserinnen dabei zu helfen, sich in der Online-Welt zurechtzufinden und sicher zu sein, dass ihre Daten und ihre Online-Identität privat bleiben.